Debate still question mark

Rep. John Hostettler and Democratic challenger Brad Ellsworth have accepted invitations to debate live on television - just not at the same time and place.

Hostettler's campaign announced Wednesday he has accepted a League of Women Voters invitation to debate in Vincennes, Ind., on Oct. 23.

Ellsworth's campaign released a written statement in response.

"On July 11, 2006, Sheriff Ellsworth accepted invitations from Nextar broadcasting for a live televised debate on WTVW-Fox7 jointly with WTWO-NBC Terre Haute and for a live televised debate on WNIN public broadcasting and sister stations throughout the 8th Congressional District," says the statement by Ellsworth campaign manager Jay Howser.

"Unfortunately, we have not heard back from the Hostettler campaign regarding these debates, and as a result, no dates or times have been set. ... I look forward to working with the Hostettler campaign to determine mutually agreeable dates and times to do so."

Karen Hammonds, Hostettler's sister and campaign office manager, said he simply hasn't decided which of his

"several" debate invitations to accept.

"He's probably considering how to get the maximum exposure for the debate in the 8th District," Hammonds said.

Hammonds said the fact that Congress goes back in session next month will be a factor in whatever decisions Hostettler makes.

The invitation Hostettler accepted was extended by the League of Women Voters organizations of Knox and Vigo counties and Evansville's Southwestern Indiana chapter on July 20. That is nine days after Ellsworth accepted the WTVW and WTWO invitations.

The League chapters gave the candidates possible dates of Oct. 23, 24 and 30 - a potential stumbling block if Ellsworth says he can't be there on the day Hostettler chose.

The hourlong debate, should both candidates agree on the date, will occur at 7 p.m. in the studio of public television station WVUT in Vincennes.

"It would be a districtwide debate, and would be televised live throughout the (18-county) 8th District by several television and radio stations that have agreed to participate," stated a July 20 letter to Hostettler by League candidate liaison Peggy Evans of Vigo County.

Evans said Wednesday that Ellsworth doesn't have long to decide whether to participate in the debate in Vincennes.

"We've given both campaigns until (Friday) to reply to our invitation," Evans said. "That lets the broadcast media fit it in their schedules.

"I feel pretty confident that (Ellsworth's campaign) will accept. I've talked to them, and they do seem interested."